From the Black Sea to the Blue Danube (port-to-port cruise)

Bratislava, before becoming the capital of independent Slovakia in 1993 was first of all the capital of Hungary from 1536 to 1784 under the name of Presburg. It then belonged to Czechoslovakia before becoming the capital of the "Slovak Socialist Republic" as part of Czechoslovakia between 1969 and 1992.
Along with your guides, you will begin the visit with a panoramic tour of the city which will take you to Bratislava Castle (outsides), which dates from 1811, after the previous castle burned down, and from where you will enjoy a breathtaking view over the Danube and the city. The main historical monuments are located in the Old Town and the coach will drop you off at its entrance to continue the visit on foot. You will enter through Michael's Gate, which is the only gate still surviving from the Middle-Ages. Then you will head for the central square surrounded by elegant buildings, some in Art Nouveau style, and dominated by the old Bratislava Town Hall. The tour continues with the Primate's Palace (outsides) completed in 1781 for Archbishop Jozef Bathyány.
As you stroll through the streets, you may come across some of the amusing statues that are dotted around the capital. After the guided tour, you will have some free time and will return to the boat on foot or by coach depending on sailing times.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

What better way to explore Belgrade than on a bike? You'll cycle along the history-filled streets with your guide who will explain the city's recent past from World War II to current times. The main topics are history and politics of Yugoslavia, social issues, economy, lifestyle and architecture.
A half hour break with a drink will be provided during the tour.

Main stops: Brankov’s bridge, Staro Sajmiste (former concentration camp), SIV / Palace fo Serbia (former seat of government of Yugoslavia), Hotel Yugoslavia, Historic city center of Zemun and view on Kalemegdan Fortress

PLEASE NOTE

• The total length of the tour is 12 kilometers.
• The speed on the tour is very low, so everybody can enjoy it; given one has a basic experience with riding a bike.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Attention: children are under the responsibility of their parents and must be autonomous by bike.
• Helmets are provided on all our cycling tours.

We'll leave by coach from Devínska Nová Ves for a hike in the Little Carpathians Protected Landscape Area, including the geographically rich Sandberg expanse. From Devin Castle, we'll take in the splendid view of Bratislava. After our hike, we'll return to the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

We'll leave on our full day excursion in the company of our guides to discover the Romanian capital of Bucharest. According to legend, the city was founded by a shepherd called Bucur, which means ‘joy' in Romanian. Bucharest has suffered greatly from its communist past but after the year 2000, due to the advent of significant economic growth, the city has modernized.
We'll start off our visit with a panoramic tour of the city giving you an overview of the various monuments of the capital. We'll head to the restaurant for a typical Romanian lunch with traditional music and folklore dancing to entertain us. After lunch, we'll head again by coach to Bucharest's Eco-museum (1), a genuine village in the city where we'll learn about the habitats of the different regions of Romania and their handcrafts. We'll conclude our visit with a photo stop at the Palace of Parliament, a gigantic neo-classical style marble construction designed by Ceausescu before visiting the Stavropoleos Monastery or the Kretzulescu Church(2).
We'll leave Bucharest by coach and head back to the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

• The ship sails during the excursion.
  
• Lunch included.
  
• The visit lasts the whole day: please wear comfortable shoes.
  
• The order of visits may be modified.
  
• The times are given for reference only.
  (1) The Bucharest Open-Air Museum is closed on Mondays and will be replaced by a visit to the Cernica Monastery.
  (2) The order and choice of visits may be adjusted on site depending on availability.
  

Departure by coach. Accompanied by your guides, you will leave the quay for a panoramic tour of Budapest, often called the Pearl of the Danube.

Your discovery will begin on the Buda side, the hilly part of the city, which you will reach by crossing one of the city's famous bridges spanning the Danube.
You will then ascend Castle Hill to reach the Royal Palace (outside visit), where you will enjoy a breathtaking view over the city. In the distance, you will catch sight of the Fisherman's Bastion, a monument paying tribute to the origins of the Hungarian people, with its seven towers symbolising the seven tents of the seven Magyar tribes.

Your tour will continue towards Pest, the flatter and more modern part of the city. There, you will discover the majestic Heroes’ Square, dominated by its impressive central monument, erected to commemorate Hungary’s millennial anniversary. It features the chieftain Árpád and the seven leaders of the founding tribes.

You will pass near the famous Széchenyi Baths, the architecturally remarkable zoo, and Vajdahunyad Castle, which reflects Hungarian architecture through the centuries.
Driving along the prestigious Andrássy Avenue, you will glimpse St. Stephen’s Basilica, whose construction began in 1851 and was completed in 1905.
Finally, following the Danube embankment, you will admire the Hungarian Parliament, a majestic building blending Byzantine and Neo-Gothic styles, whose radiant silhouette towers over the river.

Return to the boat at the end of the tour.

PLEASE NOTE

• Panoramic tour with stops to take pictures.
• Entrance tickets for these monuments are not included.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

We'll leave on foot for the Budapest Market Halls. The Great Market Hall is the largest and most spectacular of the five market halls built in the 19th century. You can indulge in all types of goods at the more than 180 stands spread out over three stories. One of the market's distinctive features is the colorful Zsolnay tiling on the roof. Some residents will spend hours on public transportation to shop at the Központi Vásárcsarnok. You'll find a wide variety of food, including fruits, vegetables, local cold cuts, and garlands of paprika on the ground floor. The second floor houses restaurants where locals and tourists mingle. The recently renovated basement contains exhibits of high-quality Hungarian products for purchase at the market. At the end of the visit, tasting of traditional Hungarian products. After our tour, we'll return to the ship on foot.

PLEASE NOTE

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.

Departure by coach, accompanied by your guide, to the Széchenyi Baths.
Inaugurated in 1913, this vast thermal complex is nestled in the heart of Budapest’s City Park. A true architectural jewel in neo-Baroque style, it draws its beneficial waters from two natural, mineral-rich springs. The Széchenyi Baths also stand out for their ingenious use of geothermal waters, an early and successful example of sustainable management of natural resources.
Your guide will show you around the baths during a short visit, before you enjoy free time to experience the indoor and outdoor pools heated all year round, saunas and steam rooms, or simply relax in a steaming pool.
Ideal for releasing tension, this moment of well-being will bring you both relaxation and a complete change of scenery.
Return to the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of visits may be subject to change.
• Timings are given for information purposes only.
• Children under 14 years old are not allowed at the Széchenyi Baths.
• Swimsuits, sandals, swim caps and towels are mandatory (not included) for bathing.
  

Departure by coach to the magnificent historic Eschenbach Palace to attend a Viennese concert. This exceptional venue, filled with refinement, provides the perfect setting to experience an authentically Viennese cultural evening.
Let yourself be transported back to the imperial era of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi, while the concert enchants you with the timeless melodies of Johann Strauss, father and son, as well as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The program, carefully staged, offers an elegant dramaturgy that enhances the performances of renowned dancers and vocal soloists. At the end of the show, you will have the privilege of meeting the musicians during an exclusive moment, accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine* or orange juice—a perfect final touch to conclude this unforgettable evening. Return by coach to the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

• Please dress appropriately.
• Times are approximate.
• *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

Optional excursion to Constanta. Departure by coach towards the Black Sea to reach Constanta. Founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC, it now has a population of over 560,000 inhabitants and is the second biggest port on the Black Sea after Istanbul. We will leave Ovidius Square to visit the Museum of History and Archaeology, which brings together items found during archaeological excavations. Across from there, a glass museum houses the vast Roman mosaic, a beautiful polychrome mosaic dating from the 3rd century. Then we will discover an architectural melting pot including the Roman mosque (outsides only) and the Orthodox Church (interior) as well as the Genoese Lighthouse. Don't miss the beautiful view over Old Constanta from the pier. We'll walk along the waterfront all the way to the majestic Casino (outsides only), built in the early 20th century in Austrian Art Nouveau style. It reminds us of Constanta in its heyday, when it used to be the favorite holiday destination of the idle rich. Moving on towards Murfatlar, which produces the best wines in Romania. This winery over 4000ha is the largest in Europe. There will be a wine tasting session in a cellar. Return on board in Cernavoda / Fetesti.

PLEASE NOTE

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

We'll set off by coach to visit Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, which is also one of the oldest cities in Europe with a history stretching back some 7000 years. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers, close to the Morava Corridor which links the countries of the Danube to the Aegean Sea. The town has a fortress sitting atop one of the highest hills in Belgrade as well as a commercial center and port. We'll start off our visit with a guided panoramic tour of the city, during which you will have the opportunity to admire Belgrade's National Theatre and National Museum, the Royal Palace which currently houses the City Assembly of Belgrade, the Ancient Royal Palace and more. We'll stop to visit the Orthodox Temple of St Sava. The construction of this church began in 1939 but is still a work in progress, given that the Second World War followed by Tito's dictatorship put a halt to it. Construction only started again in 2001 and is funded exclusively by charitable donations. We'll head back to the city center by coach for some free time before our guides take us to Kalemegdan Park, the largest and most beautiful park in the city where the Belgrade Fortress is located, overlooking the confluence of the Danube and Sava. Return to the ship by coach.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.

Departure by coach from Belgrade or Novi Sad. Our excursion begins with a visit to Krusedol Monastery located in the mountainous region of Fruska Gora. More than 16 Orthodox monasteries are spread around the hamlet of Irski Venac, a great opportunity to soak up Serbian art combining Byzantine and Baroque architecture. You will be delighted by the magnificent paintings from the 18th century that adorn this beautiful 16th century monastery.
Our coach will then take us to Novi Sad. Capital of the autonomous region of Vojvodina, Novi Sad is also the second largest town in Serbia, going by the size of its population. The town has a long and troubled history since it was under the rule of Celts, Romans, Franks, Barbarians and Turks until it became part of the Habsburg Empire. It was known as "Petrovaradin” in the past, and the name Novi Sad (meaning ‘new plant') only came into use in 1748. The history of the town was further troubled during the 20th century when after the First World War, the Balkan territories were in turn united and separated under different names, until in 2006 when the town finally became part of an independent Serbia. We'll visit the city center by foot. The old Austro-Hungarian city with its Baroque buildings developed around ancient fortifications. You will be able to see the Episcopal Church as well as the Orthodox Church before continuing up the main street to Freedom square with the old Town Hall, dating from 1895. The coach will be waiting for you near Freedom square to finish the visit with a panoramic tour up the main boulevards leading to the boat.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• Appropriate clothing required for the visit to the monastery (no shorts or T-shirts, covered shoulders for women and closed shoes).
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Departure by coach in the company of your host/hostess in the direction of Kiskunsag Park, at the heart of the Puszta.
The Puszta, also known as the Great Plain of Hungary, is a large, flat grassland that was regarded as the Wild West of Hungary in the 19th century with cow-boys watching over colossal cattle herds grazing on pasture. The Puszta has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1999.
Riding aboard a charabanc - a traditional horse-drawn carriage with wooden benches - you'll be amazed by the wonderful landscapes and unusual fauna of the Puszta. In a small part of the Hungarian Steppe, you'll get to observe Racka sheep with their spiral-shaped horns, Mangalica pigs with their curly coats and Hungarian Grey cattle with their long, curved horns, as well as rare species of birds. In the course of your visit, you'll get the chance to attend a traditional equestrian show while tasting* "palinka" (plum eau-de-vie) and some "pogacsa" (small savory buns) as well as mineral water, sheltered from the sun under a thatched roof. The csikós, the mounted horse-herdsmen of Hungary dressed in traditional blue attire, will invite you to take part in their "games of skill and ability”. Return on board by coach.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good shoes, sunglasses, caps and a bottle of water are recommended.
• *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

We'll leave by coach to explore the city of Ruse and the rock monastery of St. Dimitar Basarabovski. The monastery is the only functional men's rock monastery in Bulgaria, a site filled with history and still a true place of worship and everyday life. We'll then head to Ruse, one of Bulgaria's most elegant cities. With its imposing Belle Époque architecture and neatly trimmed leafy squares, it's as if a little chunk of Vienna had broken off and floated down the Danube. You'll see the Dohodno Zdanie, the Roman Catholic St. Paul of the Cross Cathedral, and the Monument of Liberty. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship by coach.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The ship sails during the excursion.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

You will begin the tour by taking the famous Ring to reach Schoenbrunn Palace. The "Ring" was one of the personal projects of Emperor Franz Joseph. In 1857, he decided to take down the ramparts that enclosed the city center and had this boulevard built lined with fine buildings. Along the Ring you will admire this architectural showcase of the old Austro-Hungarian monarchy, including: the State Opera; the Hofburg Palace; the Natural History Museum; the City Hall; the Burgtheater and more.
When you arrive at Schoenbrunn Palace, you will be guided through the numerous rooms of the Hapsburgs' summer residence, which bear witness to the splendor of the Court at the time of Maria Theresa. You will also have some time to wander through the Palace gardens.
You will then return to the coach, which will take you to the city center to enjoy some free time in the area around St Stephen's Cathedral. You will then return to the coach, which will take you back to the boat, via the Ring.

PLEASE NOTE

• Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Our guide will meet us at the ship, where we'll set off on foot for the subway station to discover the high art of Viennese living. We'll stroll through the city and visit back stage in the Konzerthaus concert hall, which has the Vienna Symphony, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Wiener Singakademie and Klangforum Wien in residence. We'll tour the prominent institution that features about 750 events per year with our guide who will explain the hall's history. We'll head back stage where we might be able to catch a glimpse of a performer or two! After our tour, relax in one of the local cafés and enjoy a steaming cup of Vienna Coffee and a delicious pastry. After our tour, we'll return to the ship on the subway.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.